Sipsey Valley High student honored at game

Friday

Sep 27, 2013 at 11:00 PMSep 27, 2013 at 11:01 PM

Olivia Mills wrote an entry in a friend’s journal earlier this month that has since inspired tens of thousands of people.“When hardship comes into your life, are you going to ask ‘why is this happening to me,’” the 17-year-old Sipsey Valley High School senior wrote. “Or will you say ‘how can this be used to show God’s glory?’”

By Stephanie TaylorStaff Writer

Olivia Mills wrote an entry in a friend’s journal earlier this month that has since inspired tens of thousands of people.“When hardship comes into your life, are you going to ask ‘why is this happening to me,’” the 17-year-old Sipsey Valley High School senior wrote. “Or will you say ‘how can this be used to show God’s glory?’”The 30-word message about how you can’t control the world, only how you choose to move through it, has profoundly affected people in Tuscaloosa and beyond.Olivia has been fighting for her life after a Sunday afternoon car accident left her with serious injuries. As of Friday afternoon, more than 37,000 people were following a Facebook page where friends are posting updates about her condition.Her family, friends and people who have never met Olivia are praying for a miracle, healing and comfort. Her story has inspired thousands of people, and not just in Tuscaloosa. People from across Alabama and the country have posted about how Olivia’s faith and the faith of her friends has revived their own.“When something like this happens, there are always questions and doubts of why,” said Sipsey High principal Dennis Alvarez. “It’s just a tragedy.” A ribbon tied to a mailbox on Romulus Road near the school on Friday signified Olivia’s favorite color. Most vehicles in the school parking lot were painted with messages of prayer and hope. Most of the students, staff and teachers were wearing purple clothing or ribbons to show their support. Students have held prayer circles in front of the high school every morning this week. On Tuesday, the circle was 200-strong when Sipsey students were joined by students from Tuscaloosa County, Hillcrest and Northside high schools.Alvarez decided to cancel the school’s homecoming, which was scheduled for this week. The dress-up day, homecoming dance, parade and football game were delayed for two weeks.“Our kids weren’t ready for a festive atmosphere,” he said. “With this being such a small, community-based school, it touches everyone.”There are plans to release around 200 to 250 purple balloons at the football game Friday night. Football players plan to wear purple socks while the cheerleaders were planning to wear purple ribbons.Olivia’s accident happened just after noon Sunday as she returned from Christ Harbor United Methodist Church in Northport. She lost control of her car on Rose Boulevard, flipped and struck a truck in the oncoming lane. Northport Police Lt. Keith Carpenter said she accidentally veered off onto the right shoulder of the road and overcorrected as she attempted to return to her lane. The department’s traffic division is investigating, he said.The reaction at the school and across the community was enormous once word of her serious condition spread. “She’s very, very active in school, the community and church,” Alvarez said. “She always has a smile on her face, she’s never met a stranger.”Olivia serves as an ambassador for the school, a group of young women who represent and welcome visitors to the school and at other events. She is a member of the tennis team and has been a cheerleader and volleyball player. She grew up the youngest of her parents’ four daughters and lives in the Fosters community. Olivia was recently nominated to the school’s homecoming court. One of the many signs outside of the school Friday said “Olivia Mills for Homecoming Queen.”People who wish to buy T-shirts can visit http://teespring.com/PRAYFORFLIV.